Credit Company Letters

davesmith99

Hi,

I have been randomly getting letters from a credit company chasing up an outstanding balance on an account that was opened 11 years ago (which I do not recall opening or ever owning). They claim I made a £3 payment against the outstanding balance (£800) 2 years ago, which I know I havent done.

Anyway, I called them up last week to get some information regarding the account to try and find out what was bought on the account, but they told me I had to go to the bank in question. So, I did that today, and they had no details and the account number didn't exist.

I went back to the credit company, and the agent was very rude, claiming that the call was recorded and I had just admitted libl - even though I was just calling up to get soem more information to go back to the bank with.

The agent ended the call, by saying we will start court proceedings in 7 days.

Doe's anyone have any advice on how I should proceed? should I be seeking legal advice?

Thanks.

NickX

Grrr Debt Collectors :mad:

They annoy me so much. You have every right to request the original CCA (Consumer Credit Agreement) and a detailed statement of how the debt has been accrued. If they cannot evidence the debt to you, then they have no right to be chasing you and certainly cannot take you to court.

These people will say anything to get a payment, they will be highly aggressive, threaten legal action, threaten visits, give the overall impression that they can just remove your possessions in lieu of the debt. I really wish legislation was passed to regulate these lowlifes more closely.

Please don't let them intimidate you. I would write to them stating that you do not acknowledge any liability for the debt and that you want a copy of the CCA that you signed, and details of how the specific debt has been built up.

I would also request that they keep all correspondence in writing and if you feel intimidated or threatened by unpleasant phone calls then you will be reporting them for harrassment to Trading Standards, the Office of Fair Trading and the local police. You have the right not to be harrassed.

If they cannot produce the requested documentation, then they have no case. If they can then I would advise getting an expert to case their eye over it to ensure that it is valid and enforceable. The CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau) are free of charge and very good in these situations. They have access to professional legal advice and will negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

Good Luck.

davesmith99

Hi Nick,

Thanks a lot for your advice, very helpful.

You wouldn't happen to have or know where I can get a template or a brief outline for setting up this letter?

Regards.

NickX

davesmith99 wrote: »

You wouldn't happen to have or know where I can get a template or a brief outline for setting up this letter?

Yep, here you go :

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/temp/6707_37401.pdf

That site www.nationaldebtline.co.uk is a fantastic resource for dealing with these type of people with loads of template letters on there.

Good Luck.

davesmith99

Again, thanks a lot. I will let you know how I get off.